Agilio Software, a Sheffield-based provider of healthcare software solutions, has acquired Blue Stream Academy, a Derbyshire healthcare e-learning solutions firm. This strategic acquisition brings together two well-recognised providers in Primary Care to create a comprehensive and complementary healthcare learning platform. The combined platform will integrate content from Blue Stream Academy, which covers the wider healthcare practice team, with Agilio’s GP-aligned courses. The acquisition significantly expands Agilio’s sector reach, taking the company into new healthcare sectors including Social Care, Urgent Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care. “We are excited to join forces with Agilio Software,” said Casey Braddock, Blue Stream Academy CEO. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, providing them a broader range of content and access to Agilio’s platform of market-leading HR tools.” Ben Betts, CEO of Agilio Software, added: “We are delighted to welcome Blue Stream Academy and all their customers to the Agilio family. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing comprehensive and innovative healthcare learning solutions as part of making our frontline healthcare services operationally excellent. Together, we will continue to support and empower healthcare professionals with the best tools and resources available.”

Midlands mid-sized businesses are optimistic about plans to export overseas in the next year, despite recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges. This is according to the latest research from accounting and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s survey of over 500 mid-sized businesses reveals that more than a third (35%) of regional companies are confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months. Expansion plans also include opening new premises, recruiting new staff and investing in new technologies and R&D. Midlands businesses see exports as an important part of their growth strategy over the next year – with nearly two in five (39%) citing strong or growing demand as their main motivation. More than half (51%) said favourable trade agreements or government support in receiving markets makes them more attractive. Asked which regions would be the most appealing, 41% said Eastern Europe and Central Asia as businesses work to forge new trade corridors amid ongoing negotiations between the UK and other territories. Similarly, more than a third (34%) were most interested in Asia-Pacific. For nearly one in three (30%), the opportunity to diversify away from dependence on other markets, such as the European Union, was a deciding factor. As the Government continues to discuss favourable terms on trade with the United States, North America ranked as the most attractive export region for more than a third (35%). Despite optimism amongst Midlands businesses, major challenges could still stifle growth prospects. Nearly two thirds (60%) consider the combination of overseas trade complications and supply chain pressures, including changing tariffs and delays or shortages in distribution networks, as a top challenge. This follows continued uncertainty around trade tariffs for the US market. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “These findings show the resilience of the Midlands mid-market in the face of significant challenges and their potential to be a major international force for UK economic growth. “Mid-sized businesses in the region generate significant revenues and support hundreds of thousands of private sector jobs. Frictionless trade is crucial to help these companies power the UK economy forward. “Although the Trade Strategy published last week is welcome, targeted support for mid-sized businesses – whether that’s new hubs to support them to export or trade deals enabling their access to international markets – must build on this and create the right conditions to help them deliver their plans for growth and thrive.”

With the nomination deadline looming for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025, there are 10 categories open for entry, providing a perfect opportunity to shine a light on outstanding businesses, teams and projects at the annual event celebrating the region’s property and construction industry. One such category is Sustainable Development of the Year, which can be entered here. The winner of this category will be the scheme that has displayed a true commitment to sustainable development in the East Midlands, whether this be in an environmental development, social enterprise or a scheme which will benefit the region in other ways, so long as it benefits the future generation. It’s completely free to submit a nomination and making the top three finalists in your category also wins you free tickets to the awards ceremony. Last year, Henry Brothers Construction Ltd scooped the award for Alfreton Park School, beating out stiff competition from CPMG (for the Sir Peter Rubin Centre for Veterinary Education) and Keepmoat (for Gedling Green). Upon winning, Henry Brothers Construction said: “We were absolutely thrilled to pick up the award for Sustainable Development at the East Midlands Bricks. Alfreton Park School was a very special project to us, we really enjoyed our engagement with the pupils and fundraising activities and hopefully this will have a lasting impact on the local communities. We are so pleased that this was recognised by the judges. It was great to attend such an informal and relaxed networking & awards evening hosted by East Midlands Business Link.” With this year’s Sustainable Development of the Year award once again sponsored by Viridis Building Services, a spokesperson for the company said: “We’re proud to once again sponsor the Sustainable Development of the Year award at the Bricks Awards. At Viridis Building Services, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the foundation of everything we do, which is why we are so passionate about sponsoring this particular award. “Last year’s event was a fantastic showcase of innovation, collaboration and local talent, and it was inspiring to see so many projects delivering real, measurable impacts, having positive impacts on local social aspects, the environment and the local economy. We believe that building sustainably should also mean building smart, achieving environmental excellence without excessive cost, and this is what we saw last year. “This year, we’re especially looking forward to reviewing and understanding the amazing projects completed and in the pipeline, which promote sustainability in its greatest form. It allows opportunity for connecting with like-minded professionals, celebrating the power of local collaboration, and shining a spotlight on those who are pushing boundaries in sustainable design and construction. “We strongly encourage everyone in the industry to nominate the projects that are helping to shape a greener, more responsible future.” Submit your nominations for Sustainable Development of the Year here before entries close on Friday 15th August. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 2nd October, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (4:30pm – 7:30pm) – an evening also offering an opportunity to establish new connections with property and construction professionals from across the region, and hear from keynote speaker Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands. Other award categories open for entry include: Most Active Agent, Developer of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Deal of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, and Residential Development of the Year. All entry forms can be accessed here. The Overall Winner award will also be presented at the event. This award cannot be entered, with the winner selected from those nominated for the event’s other awards. The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 will also receive a grand prize of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, with the opportunity to split or gift the marketing to a charity of your choice.  

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025

What: The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2025 When: Thursday 2nd October (4.30pm – 7.30pm) Where: Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham Keynote speaker: Councillor Nadine Peatfield – Leader of Derby City Council, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, and Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands Tickets: Available here Dress code: Standard business attire Thanks to our sponsors:                                                                        

To be held at:

Derby County Football Club has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with HSG UK for the 2025/26 season. The family-run business, based in Pride Park, will maintain its presence on the back of the Men’s and Women’s First Team shirts and shorts, as well as the Men’s B Team and Under-21s.

This marks the third consecutive season of the collaboration, which began in the promotion-winning 2023/24 campaign and was renewed for Derby’s return to the Sky Bet Championship in 2024/25.

HSG UK, recognised for its innovative and award-winning washroom services and water-saving solutions, has earned a solid reputation in the industry. The company was honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in May 2024, alongside recognition at the Family Business Awards and East Midlands Chamber Business Awards.

The renewed agreement underscores HSG UK’s dedication to supporting local businesses and the community, reflecting both its deep ties to Derby and its mission to assist companies nationwide in reducing their environmental impact.

Bassetlaw District Council is providing more financial support to small and medium-sized businesses looking to improve their environmental credentials and cut their carbon footprint. The Council has secured £80k from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding to back decarbonisation projects which improve the natural environment whilst growing the local economy. Applications are now open for businesses to apply for a grant of up to £7,500 to invest in low carbon technologies across energy use, buildings and transport. Cllr Darrell Pulk, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We look forward to supporting businesses across the district make improvements which will help cut their carbon footprint, alongside their energy costs. “Our Vision 2040 is for Bassetlaw to become the greenest, most sustainable district to live and work, and this will help improve building efficiency for many local businesses.” Businesses have until 12noon on 21st July 2025 to submit their applications.

Unique Window Systems, the Leicester-based fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling, has acquired the business and assets of AluFold Direct Ltd. Sunil Patel, joint managing director at Unique, said: “Having recently increased our turnover to £45 million and growing, we are in a strong position to invest in the business, and the acquisition of AluFold’s assets gives us the opportunity to further boost our aluminium capabilities. “With more companies being forced to close their doors in ongoing difficult market conditions, we are particularly pleased that the acquisition will help us grow further and retain capacity in the industry. “We have already celebrated 20 years in business this year, but we are not resting on our laurels. Our longevity makes us even more ambitious. “We want to continue to give our installers, and their homeowner customers, and the wider commercial market everything they need now and in the future, and as the demand for aluminium window and doors continues to grow, it’s a great time for us to strengthen our geographical footprint.” AluFold’s factory in Blackburn houses cutting-edge machinery including CNC machining centres, CNC 4-headed crimpers and dedicated assembly lines, providing Unique Window Systems with an opportunity to increase its presence in the North. Sunil continued: “We know that homeowner expectations are rising and to help our customers deliver on these expectations we need next generation capabilities and superior environmental performance across our entire UPVC and aluminium range. “Coupling the impressive assets from a well-respected brand such as AluFold Direct, with Unique’s considerable resources and expertise, builds on an already solid foundation of quality and performance. We are excited about this next stage of growth and the head start the acquisition gives us and our customers for 20 more successful years.” The deal was supported by Gunner Cooke LLP and Freeths LLP from a legal perspective and Torr Waterfield as accountants and business advisors.